Black Drum

Jul 17, 2018

Black Drum

Black Drum, Drum Fish, Drum

Drum can be caught both inshore and offshore around Florida’s east coast. The black drum is close to it’s cousin the red drum but it’s feeding habits are much less predatory as it’s often too lazy to chase baitfish unless it has an easy chance. Typically the black drum is more cumbersome and feeds on opportunities dead crustacean and mollusk. They will bight on live crabs and shrimp and occasionally take live fin fish if they’re feeling frisky, but more often than not the black drum will not expend the energy to chase too far and fast.

All our lagoon systems on the east coast of Florida host black drum including the Indian, Banana and Mosquito Lagoons. Schools of black drum are often seen meandering the shallow grass flats with November being some of the best times to seek them them out. Best way to fish for these drum are with dead or live baits and they often take flies if presented well.

High arched back; 10 to 14 pairs of chin barbels; gray or black colored body in adults; young have 4 to 6 vertical bars; has cobblestone-like teeth capable of crushing oysters; scales large.

INSHORE fish common to bays and lagoons; bottom dweller often found around oyster beds; also OFFSHORE near wrecks and beaches.

Remarks

Largest member of the drum family; spawns NEARSHORE in winter and early spring; feeds on oysters, mussels, crabs, shrimp and occasionally fish; longevity to 35 or more years.